Investigating John 13-17 as a missional narrative

Abstract

This article investigates the Farewell Discourse in John 13-17 from the perspective of missional theology. A narrative approach is followed to ascertain how John’s Gospel establishes a basis for the Father sending the Son, who sent the Spirit and his followers into the world. The overarching motive for this mission is God’s love for the world and his desire for the world to know him and believe Jesus is indeed his Son. Within this mission the commandment to love is given to Jesus’ followers as a clear instruction to follow the same sacrificial pattern of humility as practiced by Jesus.